January stands as a dedicated period to honor the Holy Name of Jesus, highlighted by a feast specifically commemorating the Holy Name on January 2 (January 3 in 2024). The profound significance of using His name has been previously emphasized.
Below are compelling reasons why this name holds immense significance:
1. Named by Divine Command
The scripture in Isaiah 62:2 proclaims, “You shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give.” The Angel Gabriel, as the divine messenger, brought forth this name to His family: Jesus.
2. And named by Joseph
Jesus, in another context, was named by a human figure. Gabriel instructed Joseph that Mary “will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
3. Was He Also Named Emmanuel?
Matthew’s account poses a question for centuries: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel.” Why, then, is He named Jesus? St. Thomas Aquinas elucidates that while “Jesus” signifies “salvation,” “Emmanuel” signifies the cause of salvation—the union of Divine and human natures in the Person of the Son of God. Aquinas refers to Isaiah 9:6, which attributes various significant roles to Jesus as the Savior.
4. His Name Represents Innovation
Although Isaiah 62:2 speaks of being called by a “new name,” Jesus’ name isn’t entirely new—it correlates with “Joshua,” a name used frequently before and after Jesus. Aquinas clarifies that while previous Joshuas were saviours in specific and temporal senses, Christ’s role as a universal spiritual Savior makes His name uniquely new, encapsulating His identity as the Savior.
5. His Name Is Sacred
Echoing Jewish reverence for the sacredness of names, especially God’s, Jesus instilled this tradition, teaching us to revere the Father’s name in prayer. As the Second Person of the Trinity, His name is equally holy. St. Paul emphasizes the significance, stating, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
6. His Name Adorned the Cross
St. John Paul II highlighted how Jesus’ name became a symbol of contradiction, inscribed on the Cross to justify His death sentence as “Jesus, King of the Jews.” This name, while proclaiming His identity as a savior, served as a testament to His act of saving humanity.
7. The Power Acknowledged by St. Peter
In his inaugural sermon, Peter referenced Joel’s prophecy, affirming that salvation lies in “calling on the name of the Lord,” identifying this Lord as “Jesus of Nazareth.” Demonstrating this power, Peter healed a lame man at the Temple gate by invoking “the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
8. Embracing Suffering for His Name
The apostles found joy in suffering for the first time in Church history, rejoicing in being “counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.”
9. St. Bernardine’s Devotion
Saints throughout history displayed profound devotion to Jesus’ name. In the 15th century, St. Bernardine of Siena’s fervour for the Holy Name reflected in his banner bearing “Jesus,” inspired deeper contemplation of the name’s spirituality within the Church.
10. St. Isaac Jogues’ Spiritual Warfare
St. Isaac Jogues, serving the Algonquin Indians in the 1600s, held an intense devotion to Jesus’ name. Carving the sacred name on trees at Ossernenon, he sought to repel demons and instil fear in them by the mere sight and sound of the name.
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